The reigning Newcombe Medallist defeated Britain’s Andy Lapthorne 6-2 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena on Saturday.

Melbourne-born Alcott won his third straight Australian Open quad singles title and made history as it was the first wheelchair match to be played on centre court at a Grand Slam.

Philippoussis praised Alcott’s personality after creating more history on Saturday.

“I’ve got to know him in the last couple of years…. It’s an awesome story and an incredibly inspiring guy, what I really like is he’s got an awesome personality and great energy about him,” Philippoussis told InsideSport.

 “It’s awesome to see what he has achieved last year with the gold medal, winning the Newcombe Medal and now the final again to back up last year.

“What he’s done is very inspirational and it makes it even more special because he’s a great guy.”

The former World No.8 also said to see the match played on Rod Laver Arena was indicative of Tennis’ progression as a sport.

“He deserved to be on centre court, he deserved his recognition and I hope he inspires kids and a lot of people to pursue their dreams no matter what,” he said.

“Great stories put certain things in the limelight, his story is putting wheelchair tennis in the limelight and it’s incredibly inspirational.

“The guy works incredibly hard and he’s very talented, so to have done what he’s done last year and to be here with the pressure he’s on and to back it up.”

Goolagong-Cawley also labelled Alcott as her “hero”.

She told InsideSport: “He’s my hero. My hero growing up was Margaret Court and I guess my hero today is Dylan Alcott, he’s absolutely amazing.”